How Long to Bake Stuffed Pork Chops for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Stuffed pork chops are a classic dinner recipe that never goes out of style The savory filling paired with the juicy, tender pork is simply delicious But knowing how long to bake stuffed pork chops is key to getting the best results. Underbake them and the pork will be unsafe to eat. Overbake them and you’ll end up with dry, overcooked meat. So what’s the secret to perfectly baked stuffed pork chops every time?

Factors That Affect Baked Stuffed Pork Chop Cook Times

There are a few factors that impact how long stuffed pork chops need to bake

Thickness of the Pork Chops

Thicker pork chops will require a longer baked time than thinner chops. Thick chops are usually 1-1.5 inches thick, while thin chops are around 1/2 inch thick. Thick chops allow you to stuff them generously without overcooking the pork. For stuffed thick pork chops, bake for approximately 25-35 minutes. Thin chops bake faster, so reduce time to 15-20 minutes.

Bone-In vs. Boneless

Bone-in pork chops will take a bit longer to cook through since the bone insulates the meat slightly. Plan for a bake time of 25-30 minutes for bone-in stuffed chops. Boneless cooks faster at around 20 minutes.

Temperature of Ingredients

Cold ingredients like stuffing straight from the fridge will lower the temperature inside the pork chops, requiring a longer bake Bring ingredients like stuffing, broth, and meat to room temperature before assembling and baking

Doneness Preference

The recommended safe final internal temperature for pork is 145°F. But some people prefer the texture of pork cooked to 160°F for a more well-done result. The extra cook time to 160°F could add 5 or more minutes to the bake time. Use a meat thermometer to check.

How to Tell When Stuffed Pork Chops Are Done Baking

Monitoring temperature and visual cues are the best ways to tell when stuffed pork chops are fully baked. Here’s what to look for:

• Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of a chop, avoiding the bone. It should reach 145°F for medium doneness or 160°F for well done.

• The stuffing should reach 165°F to ensure it is hot enough to be safe for consumption.

• The exterior of the chops will develop a nice golden brown crust.

• Cut into a chop and check that the interior is no longer pink with clear juices running from it.

• Pork cooked to 145°F will be slightly pink but very juicy and tender. Well done pork at 160°F will be gray throughout without traces of pink.

Step-by-Step Guide for Baking Stuffed Pork Chops

Follow these steps for baking flavorful, juicy stuffed pork chops every time:

1. Prepare the Filling

Make your favorite savory stuffing up to a day ahead. Cool completely before using to stuff chops. Popular options are:

• Bread stuffing with onions, celery, herbs
• Cornbread stuffing with sausage, apples, cranberries
• Wild rice stuffing with mushrooms, spinach

2. Prepare the Pork Chops

Buy 1-1.5 inch thick, boneless or bone-in pork chops. Trim off excess fat. Cut a pocket into the side of each chop for stuffing, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the exterior with salt, pepper, and herbs.

3. Stuff the Chops

Spoon room temperature stuffing into the pocket of each pork chop, packing it generously but not overstuffing. The chops need room to expand as they cook. Seal over the pocket with toothpicks if needed.

4. Sear the Chops (Optional)

For added flavor and moisture, you can sear each side of the stuffed chops in a hot pan with oil for 1-2 minutes per side before baking.

5. Bake the Chops

Place chops in a baking dish and bake at 375°F. For thick bone-in chops, bake for 25-35 minutes. Boneless or thin chops bake in 20-25 minutes.

6. Check Temperature

Test temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a chop. It should reach the minimum safe temp of 145°F. If you prefer well-done, cook to 160°F.

7. Rest and Serve

Let chops rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicy results. Dig in and enjoy these flavorful stuffed pork chops!

Tips for Moist, Delicious Stuffed Pork Chops

Here are some additional tips for getting the best oven-baked stuffed pork chops:

• Bring all ingredients like stuffing, broth, and meat to room temperature before baking for more even cooking.

• Use bone-in chops for added moisture and flavor.

• Avoid overpacking the stuffing, which can dry out the meat.

• Brush chops with oil or melted butter before baking for enhanced browning.

• Tent chops loosely with foil at the end to keep moist if needed.

• Let chops rest 5-10 minutes before cutting for juicy meat.

• Pair with flavorful sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice pilaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of pork for stuffing?

Choose bone-in pork chops that are 1-1.5 inches thick for the best stuffed chops. The bone adds moisture and the thickness provides ample room for filling. Center cut chops work well.

Can you stuff boneless pork chops?

Yes, you can stuff boneless pork chops. Just be sure they are at least 1 inch thick. Cut a pocket into the side of each boneless chop for the stuffing. Reduce bake times by 5 minutes compared to bone-in.

What stuffing goes good with pork chops?

Bread-based stuffing with onions, celery, herbs, chicken broth, and seasonings works very well. You can also use cornmeal bread stuffing or wild rice stuffing. Add sausage, apples, cranberries, or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Should you sear stuffed pork chops before baking?

Searing the stuffed chops for 1-2 minutes per side before baking is optional but adds nice caramelized flavor. Use a hot skillet with oil or butter. Avoid overcooking the exterior when searing.

What temperature are pork chops done baking?

Check temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chop. Pork should reach the USDA recommended minimum temp of 145°F. For well done, cook to 160°F. The stuffing should reach 165°F.

What do you serve with baked stuffed pork chops?

Delicious side dishes include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli, rice pilaf or couscous, a fresh salad, or biscuits. A pan sauce made from the pork drippings is also excellent.

Sample Stuffed Pork Chop Recipes

Here are a couple excellent baked stuffed pork chop recipes to try:

Apple Cranberry Stuffed Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 thick bone-in pork chops
• 1 package cornbread stuffing mix
• 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon each sage, thyme, salt, pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions with cranberries, apple, onion, broth, and melted butter. Let cool.

2. Cut pockets into pork chops and stuff generously. Seal with toothpicks if needed.

3. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

4. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Sausage and Cornbread Stuffed Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 thick boneless pork chops
• 6 ounces cornbread stuffing mix
• 1/2 pound sausage, browned and crumbled
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon each sage, thyme, salt, pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare stuffing according to package directions with sausage, onion, celery, broth, and melted butter. Allow to cool.

2. Cut pockets into the side of the boneless chops and stuff generously.

3. Brush outside of chops with olive oil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until 145°F internally.

4. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

The Secret to Moist Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

The secret is using thick, bone-in pork chops cooked to the proper internal temperature for your desired doneness. Monitor temperature and doneness closely and avoid overbaking. Let the chops rest before cutting to allow juices to redistribute. Lastly, pair these impressive stuffed chops with delicious complementary sides to complete the meal.